Health
Unlocking Wellness: 8 Supplements to Avoid After 60, According to Experts
As we age, maintaining good health becomes a top priority, and many people over 60 turn to dietary supplements to fill nutritional gaps or manage chronic conditions. However, recent research has raised concerns about the safety and efficacy of certain supplements for older adults.
The American Cancer Society has highlighted that some commonly used supplements may not offer the expected benefits and could pose health risks for those over 60.
“In some cases, supplements can interact with common prescription medications,” explains Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and health advisor for Invigor Medical. There is also a risk of consuming excessive amounts of a “healthy” vitamin, which can be detrimental to your health if not managed carefully.
One popular supplement, St. John’s wort, is often used to treat mild depression. However, doctors caution that its active ingredient, hyperforin, may cause adverse interactions with other medications.
“St. John’s wort can interact with statins, blood thinners like warfarin, antidepressants, migraine medications, and digoxin, which is prescribed for heart failure,” says Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, senior medical editor at GoodRx.
Vitamin E supplements are another common choice for boosting the immune system, but they come with their own set of risks.
“Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) is an antioxidant that also prevents the aggregation of platelets, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding,” notes Sarah Trahan, NMD, staff physician at Sonoran University. Those on medications such as aspirin, Coumadin, and Eliquis, or with conditions like malabsorption diseases, face a higher risk of internal bleeding.
Ginseng, a supplement derived from natural sources, might seem safe but can interfere with diabetes medications and potentially reduce blood sugar levels.
“Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to help support memory and immune health,” says Pinto-Garcia, emphasizing the need for caution.
Magnesium is often praised for its health benefits, including blood pressure control and mood enhancement. However, seniors should be cautious.
“Excess magnesium can cause changes in potassium and sodium levels and affect how the heart beats,” warns Dr. Poston. The risk is particularly high for individuals with compromised kidney function.
Ginkgo biloba is another supplement commonly used to enhance cognitive health, but it poses risks for those on certain medications.
“While many take it for memory improvement, ginkgo biloba could increase bleeding risk—especially for those on blood thinners or with bleeding problems,” notes Beata Rydyger, a registered nutritionist in Los Angeles.
Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, can also interact negatively with certain drugs.
“Turmeric can negatively interfere with certain medications like iron, decreasing its absorption,” says Lindsay Scaringella, a registered dietician and licensed nutritionist at CareOne. Its blood-thinning properties can lead to complications when combined with other blood thinners.
Lastly, vitamin A, essential for growth and vision, can be harmful in excess.
“Retinol is the form of vitamin A that causes the greatest concern for toxicity,” according to experts at Colorado State University. Overconsumption can increase the risk of osteoporosis and liver damage in those over 60. Symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include dry, itchy skin, headache, nausea, and loss of appetite.
As you consider your supplement regimen, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure your choices are safe and beneficial for your health.
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